Initially, Guyger claimed that she attempted to open the apartment door with her key when Jean opened the door, startling her, and prompting her to shoot.

Then, when questioned by rangers some days later, she changed her story and said that the apartment door was already ajar, that she saw a shadow, gave it instructions, and then fired when the figure failed to respond.

“Neither of those stories make sense, because it just doesn’t—neither comport with common sense or the reality of the layout of that apartment. Number one, outside of her apartment looks completely different than the apartment of Botham Jean. His apartment has, for example, a big bright red rug there to greet people so that they will know that it’s his apartment. Her apartment didn’t have that rug there. Those doors are sure-shut doors. And so, I’ve been in Mr. Jean’s apartment, I’ve let the door go slowly, and they slam shut every time. And so, the idea that it was somehow mysteriously open, it just doesn’t comport with the mechanics of the apartment.” — Merritt

The family is pursuing a criminal case against Guyger and is hoping for an indictment on charges of murder.